Board of Directors
Dr. John Schwarz is the Founder and Chairman of AAF. He is a doctor with his own general practice 60kms south west of Sydney (in Camden, NSW). From 1975 - 1985 he worked as the Medical Superintendent of Emmaus Lutheran Hospital (now a government run hospital) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Dr Schwarz is passionate about Africa and helping to address the challenges it faces due to the AIDS pandemic. Whilst aware of the enormity of the problems associated with HIV/AIDS, both individually and socially, Dr Schwarz holds a philosophy that you can provide help and hope to each individual; changing lives one person at a time.
David Cooper is a retired School teacher of 37 years. Previously Head Teacher of Social Sciences at Camden High (1986 - 2002), he has lived in Camden since 1968. David's wife Yvonne worked as a midwife at Camden Hospital. David has four children and three granddaughters. David is actively involved with Picton Uniting Church - local preacher and Chairperson of Church Council.
Rosalie Schwarz is a founding director of AAF. She trained as a nurse and was very involved in community development programs with husband, Dr John Schwarz, in South Africa. She has managed John's practice (in Camden) for many years and continues to be very involved with it.
Bruce Willmann has had considerable experience in business having been the CEO of a number of large companies. Bruce has taken a major role in the administration of AAF and been a driving force to assist AAF to develop a more professional approach to its operations. His wife, Beverley, is also playing a significant role in the financial aspects of AAF.
Steve Hutchings is currently studying for a degree in theology at Sydney Missionary Bible College with hopes of doing further work abroad. He joined the Board in November 2006 after a trip to South Africa in 2006 as a volunteer. He is happy to be involved in ongoing AAF work because he has seen firsthand how AAF is helping the disadvantaged. He is married to Natalie and has a young daughter, Elyse, born in August 2008.
Natalie Hutchings, Steve's wife and proud mother to Elyse, born in August 2008, is a trained teacher but currently taking time off to raise her daughter. Natalie also volunteered in Africa in 2006 and joined the Board in November 2006 taking on different administrative tasks. Natalie feels privileged to be involved with such a great organisation as she is becoming increasingly passionate about social justice issues.
Geoff Hoskin is married to Lesley-Ann and former owner and founder of Camden Signs, joined AAF as a Board Director in 2007. Geoff is actively involved in the work of St John's Anglican Church in Camden and has been involved in various community efforts over the years. His contribution to Camden was acknowledged in 1988 when Geoff was presented the Camden Citizen of the Year Award. Geoff is a committed family man, with sons Lachlan and Myles and 8 grandchildren.
Sharon Pascoe-Thomas is married to Phillip, and mother of Emily and Daniel, joined AAF as a Board Director in 2007. Sharon works at Macarthur Anglican School in the position Fundraising and Community Relations Manager. Sharon has been actively involved in fundraising for AAF since joining the board, constantly finding new ways to expand AAF's support base and raise much needed funds. A trip to South Africa to visit AAF Partners in June 2009 has had a huge impact on Sharon's understanding of the need and this has increased her drive and passion.
Eddie Ozols is married to Linda. They have four children based in New York, Canada and Australia. In 1980 Eddie undertook 3 months voluntary work in a Cambodian refugee camp which transformed his world and Christian view. After 18 years in rural NSW managing a number of Probation and Parole offices, the family returned to Sydney in 2002. Since 2003 he has worked as a senior manager in Human Services, Ageing Disability and Home Care, managing community based disability services in western Sydney. Eddie joined the AAF board in 2009 after spending three months on holidays as a volunteer in South Africa and Kenya, where he undertook a number of projects on behalf of AAF (http://eddieozols.blogspot.